# Jiuzhaigou Travel Guide: A Dreamlike Journey to Paradise on Earth

## Jiuzhaigou Travel Guide: A Dreamlike Journey to Paradise on Earth **Introduction:** Jiuzhaigou, a place known as "fairyland on earth," is famous worldwide for its unique highland travertine lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped forest landscapes. The water here is crystal clear, colorful, and the scenery varies with the seasons, making it a paradise for photographers and nature lovers. This guide will help you fully understand Jiuzhaigou and plan a perfect trip. **I. Basic Information** * **Location:** Jiuzhaigou County, Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province * **Altitude:** 2000-4500 meters * **Best Time to Visit:** * **Spring/Summer (April-June):** Blooming mountain flowers, abundant water, spectacular waterfalls * **Autumn (September-October):** Colorful foliage, the best viewing season * **Winter (November-March):** Snow-covered landscape, fewer tourists, but some attractions may be closed * **Ticket Prices:** * Peak season (April 1-November 15): 169 yuan/person * Off-season (November 16-March 31): 80 yuan/person * **Sightseeing Bus Ticket:** 90 yuan/person (peak season), 80 yuan/person (off-season) **II. Transportation** * **By Air:** Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (JZH) is about 88 kilometers from Jiuzhaigou scenic area. You can take an airport shuttle bus or taxi. * **By Bus:** * Direct buses to Jiuzhaigou are available from Chengdu's Xinnanmen and Chadianzi bus stations, with a journey of about 8-10 hours. * You can also choose to hire a car or drive yourself. The scenery along the way is beautiful, but there are many mountain roads, so safety is important. * **By Train:** Currently, there are no direct trains to Jiuzhaigou. You can take a train to Chengdu or Guangyuan, then transfer to a bus. **III. Accommodation Recommendations** * **Near the Entrance:** Convenient for visiting the scenic area, with many hotel options at moderate prices. * **Zhangzha Town:** About 10 kilometers from the entrance, with good accommodation conditions and many dining options. * **Inside the Scenic Area:** Only one hotel (InterContinental Resort Jiuzhai Paradise), which is expensive but offers the experience of Jiuzhaigou in the early morning and evening without crowds. **IV. Recommended Attractions** Jiuzhaigou scenic area is Y-shaped, consisting of three valleys: Shuzheng Valley, Rize Valley, and Zechawa Valley. * **Shuzheng Valley:** * **Nuorilang Waterfall:** China's widest travertine waterfall, magnificent and imposing. * **Shuzheng Lakes:** Composed of multiple lakes of various sizes, with colorful waters. * **Rhinoceros Lake:** Crystal clear water reflecting the surrounding snow mountains and forests. * **Rize Valley:** * **Five-Flower Lake:** One of the most beautiful lakes in Jiuzhaigou, with ever-changing colors. * **Pearl Shoal Waterfall:** Rapid water flow creating water droplets that sparkle like pearls. * **Mirror Lake:** A calm lake surface that reflects the surrounding scenery like a mirror. * **Zechawa Valley:** * **Long Lake:** The largest lake in Jiuzhaigou, with deep blue water and magnificent scenery. * **Five-Color Pond:** Small but colorful, the smallest lake in Jiuzhaigou. **V. Itinerary Suggestions** * **One-day Tour:** For those with limited time, focus on highlights such as Five-Flower Lake, Nuorilang Waterfall, and Long Lake. * **Two-day Tour:** Allows for more in-depth exploration of the scenic area and experiencing different valley landscapes. * **Three-day Tour:** Ideal for photography enthusiasts and those seeking a deeper experience, allowing you to capture Jiuzhaigou's beauty at different times. **VI. Important Notes** * **Altitude Sickness:** Jiuzhaigou is at high altitude, so prepare accordingly and avoid strenuous activities. * **Weather Changes:** Mountain weather is changeable, so bring rain gear and warm clothing. * **Environmental Protection:** Jiuzhaigou is a nature reserve; please do not litter and protect the ecological environment. * **Respect Local Culture:** Jiuzhaigou is a Tibetan settlement; please respect local customs and traditions. **VII. Food Recommendations** * **Tibetan Hot Pot:** Mainly featuring yak meat, with delicious broth and rich nutrition. * **Butter Tea:** A traditional Tibetan beverage with a unique taste that can help alleviate altitude sickness. * **Barley Wine:** Tibetan home-brewed alcohol with a mellow taste worth trying. **VIII. Shopping Recommendations** * **Tibetan Handicrafts:** Such as thangkas, Tibetan silver jewelry, and Tibetan carpets, with strong ethnic characteristics. * **Yak Jerky:** A local specialty with delicious flavor, perfect as gifts for friends and family. * **Medicinal Herbs:** Such as cordyceps and fritillary bulbs, of excellent quality, but be careful to distinguish authentic products. **Conclusion:** Jiuzhaigou is a place that captivates visitors, and its beauty cannot be fully described in words. I hope this guide helps you plan a perfect trip to Jiuzhaigou to personally experience the charm of this earthly paradise. **Friendly Reminders:** * Jiuzhaigou scenic area implements visitor limits, so it's advisable to book tickets online in advance. * Smoking and pets are prohibited in the scenic area. * Protecting the environment is everyone's responsibility; please take your trash with you or dispose of it in trash bins.